Rep. Craig Fishbein

Maddy summaryHB 5365 exempts municipalities containing aquifer protection areas from the affordable housing appeals procedure. This means towns with such groundwater protection zones will not need to follow the standard review process for housing development approvals. The bill amends Section 8-30g of the general statutes to automatically include these municipalities in the exemption, removing a procedural step for local housing projects in protected areas.

Maddy summarySB 573 prohibits the use of state funds for constructing or renovating stadiums for professional sports teams. It directly affects state budget decisions by banning appropriations for such projects, preventing government spending on facilities for leagues like the NFL, NBA, or MLB. The bill amends statutes to explicitly forbid this funding, requiring state agencies to exclude stadium costs from budget requests. This policy change aims to prevent public funds from being used for private sports venues, as stated in its purpose.

Maddy summaryHB 5360 prohibits all state agencies from advertising, marketing, or promoting recreational cannabis products, sales, consumption, or cannabis businesses. It directly affects state departments and agencies that might have previously run promotional campaigns related to cannabis. The bill explicitly bans activities encouraging cannabis use (including concentrates and infused beverages), promoting cannabis establishments, or supporting the recreational cannabis market. This amendment to existing cannabis regulations takes effect immediately upon passage and applies to all state agencies as defined by law.

Maddy summaryHB 5369 allows state agencies to require employees to work on-site for up to 60% of their scheduled hours. It directly affects state agency employees by establishing a policy that mandates in-person work for a portion of their time. The bill amends state law to give agency commissioners the authority to set this requirement, with no specific exceptions mentioned. The stated purpose is to enable agencies to implement a work policy requiring in-person attendance.

Maddy summaryHB 5401 requires owners or operators of solar photovoltaic systems approved by Connecticut's Siting Council to submit detailed plans for removing and disposing of those systems at the end of their useful life. It also mandates that these owners be financially responsible for all decommissioning, removal, and disposal costs. The bill directly affects solar project developers and operators in Connecticut, ensuring they cover end-of-life cleanup expenses rather than leaving costs to taxpayers or future property owners. This policy change aims to prevent abandoned solar installations from becoming environmental liabilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill shifts the cost of transcripts from participants to the government agency in administrative hearings. It prohibits parties involved in agency proceedings from being charged for transcript copies provided to the agency or its delegated third parties. The law directly affects individuals and organizations participating in government hearings, such as licensing or regulatory cases, by eliminating a financial burden. The key change is clarifying that agencies, not participants, bear transcript costs.

Maddy summarySB 513 requires grocery stores in the state to automatically apply all digital coupons for consumer goods at checkout, without customers needing to enter them manually. It directly affects grocery stores (defined as businesses selling food) and consumers purchasing goods, including coupons offered through websites, apps, or loyalty programs. The law mandates automatic application of all eligible digital coupons at the point of sale, with violations punishable by fines up to $1,000 per incident. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025, and aims to simplify coupon redemption for shoppers.

Maddy summarySB 1310 allows hospitals to install climate-controlled, exterior wall bassinets with automatic locks and alarms in emergency departments. These devices enable parents to voluntarily surrender infants 30 days old or younger without providing their name or personal information. Hospital staff must take custody immediately upon notification, and parents may choose to leave a numbered bracelet for future identification if they wish. The law aims to prevent infant abandonment by providing a safe, anonymous surrender option for parents in crisis.

Maddy summaryHB 6467 authorizes the state to issue up to $250,000 in bonds to fund a grant program for municipal police departments in the south central region. The grant covers 50% of the cost for departments to purchase StarChase or similar tracking technology to monitor stolen vehicles. This technology specifically targets car thieves and individuals using stolen vehicles to commit other crimes. The funding is administered through the South Central Chiefs of Police Association, Inc., with the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection managing the grants.

Maddy summaryHB 6489 requires public colleges and universities to repay student loans for graduates who receive bankruptcy protection within 10 years of graduating. The bill directly affects public higher education institutions and their alumni who file for bankruptcy. It mandates that institutions cover the full loan amount for qualifying graduates, triggered when bankruptcy protection is granted. The policy applies only to public institutions and specifically targets graduates within a decade of completing their degrees. This creates a new financial obligation for schools, separate from federal loan programs.